TACLOBAN CITY — A farmers’ group in General MacArthur, Eastern Samar has received an P836,884 livelihood grant from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to boost seaweed farming and expand income opportunities for coastal communities.
The assistance was awarded to the Vigan Integrated Farmers Association, Inc. (VIFA) under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program in partnership with the local government unit of General MacArthur.
The project, dubbed “Sustainable Seaweed Farming: A Community Livelihood Demo Project in Barangay Vigan,” aims to strengthen the municipality’s seaweed industry and improve the livelihood of local fisherfolk and farmers.
As part of the assistance package, the association received tools, materials, and equipment needed for seaweed farming operations, including motorized and wooden paddle bancas to support cultivation, harvesting, and production activities.
VIFA also showcased its value-added products, including seaweed noodles in original and malunggay flavors, highlighting efforts to promote innovation and sustainable farming practices.
DOLE-Eastern Samar Field Office Officer-in-Charge Provincial Head Salvacion Yepez said the initiative is expected to enhance the capacity of local farmers to sustain their livelihoods while contributing to food security and economic growth in the province.
PESO Manager Jerry Belicario, representing Mayor Joel Baldo, reaffirmed the municipal government’s support for sustainable livelihood programs in General MacArthur.
VIFA president Teresita Cabondocan expressed gratitude for the assistance, saying the grant comes at a crucial time as members begin the farming season.
The project forms part of DOLE’s broader efforts to promote inclusive growth and climate-resilient livelihoods through sustainable marine resource development across Eastern Visayas.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
